New Colorado School Zone Law Takes Effect August 12 — Same Day D11 Starts
On Wednesday morning, Colorado Springs parents will be doing two things at once: dropping off their D11 kids for the first day of school, and navigating roads where a significant new state law just went into effect.
The Liam Stewart School Zone Act (HB26-1318) is a new Colorado traffic safety law that takes effect on August 12, 2026 — the same day District 11 students return to classrooms across the city. If you drive anywhere near a school, here's what's changed.
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Advertise hereWhat the Law Changes
| Change | Details |
|---|---|
| School zone size | Now defined as roadways within at least 1,000 feet of school property boundary |
| Fines | Doubled for all traffic violations within the school zone |
| "School street" designation | Roadways immediately adjacent to school property; maximum speed 10 mph; drivers must yield to all pedestrians and cyclists |
| Zone reduction process | Communities wanting to reduce a zone below 1,000 feet must hold a public hearing first |
The school zone expansion to at least 1,000 feet is a meaningful change for most Colorado Springs neighborhoods. For reference, a city block is typically around 300–500 feet. Many families who live a few blocks from a school may now be living inside a designated zone.
Why This Law Exists
The Liam Stewart School Zone Act is named for Liam Stewart, an 8th-grade student in Littleton who was struck and killed while biking to school in 2023. His death prompted action from state legislators and advocacy from his family.
Representatives Kenny Nguyen and Meg Froelich sponsored the bill. It passed the House 42-21 and was signed into law on May 29, 2026.
Colorado has seen multiple high-profile crashes involving students near schools over the past several years. This law is part of a broader package of six traffic safety measures taking effect this week — several named after Colorado residents killed in preventable crashes.
What Else Is Worth Knowing Before Wednesday
The school zone law isn't the only traffic rule worth reviewing before the school year starts.
Since May 2025, a separate Colorado law requires all drivers in all directions to stop at least 20 feet from a school bus displaying flashing red lights. Painted medians no longer exempt a driver from stopping. This applies to traffic traveling in both directions on divided and undivided roads.
The combination of the new school zone law and the existing school bus law means Wednesday morning traffic will look different than it did last spring. Give yourself extra time near schools, especially in the first days of the year as families, pedestrians, and bike riders find new routines.
What's Next
D11 students begin Wednesday, August 12. D20 starts August 17 and 18. If you're planning school pickup and drop-off routes, now is a good time to review the roads you'll use most often and whether they fall within 1,000 feet of a school boundary. Colorado Springs has dozens of public school campuses, and many neighborhoods now fall within at least one school zone. The Colorado Department of Transportation and your school district's website are good starting points for route planning.
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